Columbia Prostitution Sting Nets 7 Arrests: Howard County Police

COLUMBIA, MD — An undercover operation to deter prostitution and human trafficking recently resulted in the arrest of seven men, according to the Howard County Police Department. The sting took place at a hotel in the 8800 block of 100 Parkway in Columbia, police said.

Howard County police said detectives put up fake ads on websites known for attracting activity related to the sex trade. Men who called the number in the ads spoke with an officer who was working undercover, police reported; and when they asked to arrange a meeting, she provided a location.

After the men arrived at the hotel in Columbia and offered money for sex acts on Monday, Nov. 26, police said the would-be "johns" were arrested and charged with solicitation of prostitution and disorderly conduct.

These are the men who were arrested, according to Howard County police:

• Andre Sherwood, 43, of Annapolis
• Michael Hightower, 49, of Aberdeen
• Matthew Simmons, 34, of Baltimore
• Lonnell Brooks, 48, of Westminster
• Santos Miranda Garcia, 43, of Silver Spring
• Habib Konate, 35, of Laurel
• Thomas Enoff, 44, of Westminster

"This operation is part of Howard County’s ongoing effort to combat prostitution, human trafficking and related offenses and aids in making the county an unappealing place for traffickers and johns," the Howard County Police Department said in a statement on Tuesday, Nov. 27.

Anyone who thinks that they are or know someone who is a victim is asked to call 911 or 410-313-3200 to speak with a detective. People may also submit tips by calling the tip line at 410-290-3784 or emailing hcpdcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov.

SEE ALSO:

• Backpage.com Shut Down As Feds Raid Founder's Home
• Jessup Sex Sting Lands Trafficker 9 Years in Prison
• 2 Baltimore Men Charged With Human Trafficking Of Girls In Laurel

Image via Renee Schiavone/Patch.